A – The exams for Site Safety Managers, Private Elevator Agency Directors and Elevator Inspectors are given by Prometric, a third-party testing organization. For information about test dates and locations for these exams, call the Licensing Unit at (212) 393-2259.

A - All renewal applications are due between 30 and 60 days prior to the license expiration date.

Q - Does my application have to be typewritten?

A - Yes. You can fill out an online version of the application on our Web site, in the Licensing Forms section.

If you do not have access to a computer, public terminals are available on the 6th floor in the Licensing unit area of the Buildings Department at 280 Broadway in Manhattan.

What are the Licensing Unit's office hours?

A - For Master Plumber, Fire Suppression, Rigger and Sign Hanger renewals and all original license and registration applicants, the Licensing unit's hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.

For all General Contractor transactions and Site Safety Coordinator certifications, the Licensing unit's hours are 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm Site Safety Coordinator applicants must make an appointment by calling (212) 393-2259.

Q - What can I do if I failed the background investigation required to obtain a license?

A - Site Safety Manager and Elevator agency applicants may file an appeal with the Buildings Special Investigation Unit (BSIU) in writing at 83 Maiden Lane, 4th Floor New York, NY 10038. Site Safety Coordinators may file an appeal with Internal Audits and Discipline (IAD) at 11 Park Place, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10007. All appeals must be filed within 60 days of the denial notification.

A - For confirmation of a PIN number, the licensee must bring their current electrical license card, with a driver license, passport or green card to the Licensing unit 280 Broadway, 6th Floor, at Chambers Street in Lower Manhattan. The hours of operation are 9:00 am through 1:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

Q - What should I do if I have a dispute with one or more of the transactions on my account statement?

Include supporting documentation with your adjustment form. If your adjustment is approved, it will be reflected on your next account statement. If it is denied, you will be notified by mail. Note: The Department does not accept adjustment requests by phone.

Q - What should I do if completion fees appear on my statement incorrectly?

A - An appearance before the Electrical Board is required for all original electrical license applicants, late renewals and persons who desire to changeover or reissue a license.

Who needs to complete the full General Contractor Registration?

A - All General Contractors who pull New Building (NB) permits for one-, two- and three-family homes must register at the Licensing unit. No NB permits for this type of structure will be issued to non-registered General Contractors beginning November 1, 2008.

Q - What insurance certificates are required for General Contractor Registration?

A - All contractors completing the full registration process must have proof of workers' compensation, disability and liability insurances. Liability insurance is not required if you are simply updating or obtaining a tracking number, unless it is necessary for a particular permit. If liability insurance is required, you must submit it to the Licensing unit under your tracking number. Please read our Guidelines for Keeping Insurance Current.

A - The Department of Buildings does not have any jurisdiction over the fee charged to consumers by contractors. Contact the Department of Consumer Affairs.

Q - My license has been expired for more than one year. How do I reinstate it?

A - Licensees expired between one year and five years are subject to Department approval for reinstatement, provided applicants prove to be competent in their field. Please read Reinstatement Process for Expired Licenses for more information.

The Buildings Department will not reinstate licenses expired more than five years. Instead, applicants must reapply for the license by meeting the original requirements for that license, including any examination and investigation requirements.

Q - Is a license required to operate a crane?

A - Yes. A Hoisting Machine Operator license is required for the operation of a crane, derrick, boom truck or cherry picker. The license must be available for inspection at the work site. License classifications vary depending upon the machine's capacity, height and boom length. For more information, contact the Buildings Department's Licensing Unit.

Q - What is the difference between Site Safety Coordinator Certification, Site Safety Manager Certification and Construction Superintendant Registration?

A - Only Site Safety Managers may work on New Buildings (NB) or Demolitions (DM) of buildings that are 15 stories or more. Site Safety Coordinators may work on demolition or new construction sites that are 10 to 14 stories. Construction Superintendants may supervise sites from 1 to 9 stories (including one-, two-, and three-family homes/garages).

A - To find out if a contractor licensed by the Department of Buildings has insurance, check the Department’s Buildings Information System by using the Skilled Trades Licenses Search. You can find a licensee’s business address, insurance status and license status. To see a list of the types of contractors licensed by the Department of Buildings visit the Licensing Section or you can contact the Licensing Division at 280 Broadway.

Q - What license is required for suspension scaffold work?

A - A Master Rigger or Special Rigger must be contracted for the work. Also every worker must be employed by the Master or Special Rigger or their company. For more information, contact the Licensing Division or the Cranes & Derricks Division.